9Christmas Secret Satan – next chapter
AN: Today Neville Longbottom asked to get involved. He is featured in my other story, "the Devil as a Father,"
Neville Longbottom loved plants and gardening. He also loved his brother in everything but blood, Harry Potter, and was helping him in his small restaurant venue, "Magic Meals". Harry used it to earn money to help feed homeless people, and Neville had grown a lot of salad fixings and herbs for Harry to use in both the meals he sold and the meals he made to give away.
Neville was currently studying the history of herbs and spices (non magical), and he and Harry would discuss herbs while Harry cooked. Neville had volunteered to make a spring soup with fresh herbs and vegetables and Harry had pronounced it wonderful.
Harry served it in the restaurant. Several people tried it and were delighted with it. Harry then made a second big batch with Neville and took it with them along with Harry's chili to serve. It was a vegan dish although very filling, and Harry had some homeless people ask for vegan or vegetarian meals, so this would be nice.
Lucifer came in the kitchen and smiled at the two boys. The restaurant was now closed and the two boys and Draco had cleaned it all up happily. With kitchen work was done, they were getting ready to move the soup to the large thermos like containers Harry used to transport soup. Lucifer sniffed the air. "Is this a new recipe, my son?" He asked, his nose gently taking in the smell of beans and greens.
"Neville gave me the recipe. It's brilliant, isn't it?" said Harry.
"It reminds me of Spring Time", said Lucifer warmly. "May I have a taste?" he asked
Neville and Harry rushed to pour him a bowl and had him sit in the kitchen to try to soup.
"Mmmmmmmm. " said Lucifer. "Delightful my darlings, just delightful. Neville, you are such a blessing. Thank you."
Neville blushed with pleasure. Then he looked at Harry shyly, "Maybe I could go with you today and help?"
Harry frowned, "You have studied defense with us and do very well. I want you to be ready though, strange things can happen, and people have tried to kidnap me before."
At first Neville thought that Harry didn't want him, but now he realized Harry was concerned about his safety. He smiled. "I can pop now, with or without a wand,"
Harry grinned at him and after letting everyone know Neville was coming along too, they piled into the van with a large bunch of sandwiches, chili and spring soup.
They all chatted amiably as Lucifer drove skillfully through the traffic to the area where the biggest encampment was. Usually it was hard to find space, but the homeless people had learned that this was the day that they got excellent food and space had been made for them and a line of hungry people was already formed.
They swiftly sat up the tables and the silverware, soup bowls and various cups. Neville watched and made himself useful. A big brutal looking man stood first in line and he eyed them all with a hooded expression.
Harry noticed and nudged his Dad and Lucifer smiled at the man, "You are new to this area," he observed. The man sneered slightly and said, "I'm hungry."
Neville watched all this carefully. He could feel ill intent coming from the man, so he stayed next to Harry and Dad. Lucifer served the man and watched him carefully as he walked aside to eat his meal.
The next person in line was an old woman he had met before. She was an alcoholic and Lucifer had told her that when she was ready, he would arrange to have her go to a special facility to start her rehab.
The woman, Maggie, stared at the large man and said, "Watch yourself and the children. That man stinks of violence." Lucifer gave her one of his charming smiles, and said, "Thank you, Maggie. I'm watching him."
They all served people quickly and Neville soon was helping with hot coffee, iced tea or hot tea. He also had bottled water for those who wanted it.
He heard a man ask if he had any Vegan meals and Lucifer said, "We brought a hearty vegan soup for you to try. Please let us know how you like it."
The man held out his hands for the soup and sniffed it appreciatively. Then he took a tentative spoonful and an expression of sheer rapture came over his face. "Ah this is good, Mr. Morningstar. My mother used to make a soup like this back in the old country."
"Neville, here came up with the recipe and grew all the vegetables as well," said Harry proudly, and the man nodded to Neville. People in line sniffed at the soup, and requested it and Neville felt very pleased to see that they liked his soup.
They had brought a great deal of food and Neville was glad because there were so many hungry looking people here. He could see why Harry liked doing this and he suddenly swelled with pride that he had contributed.
Then the big mean looking man walked up to an older couple in line and rudely pushed them down and took their places.
Lucifer put a hand on Harry's shoulder and then hugged Neville. "Be watchful."
He strolled back to where the man was smirking at him, convinced he was too big and strong to not get his way.
"I'm still hungry," he announced.
Lucifer smiled at him and stared into his eyes. The man suddenly screamed and Neville knew he had shown the miscreant his devil's eyes.
Then something pricked his arm and he immediately popped home, where he collapsed on his bed.
He woke later, horribly groggy and with a terrible headache that pounded. Chloe Morningstar was holding him in her arms and looking angry and worried, while Goldie was hovering over his head in flight. One of the security guards was taking his pulse and gave a whoop of joy. "He's awake, Ma'am!"
Neville cringed in shame and worry. "I didn't see them stick me. Dad told me to be careful and watchful. Where are Dad and Harry?"
Chloe reached down and kissed his forehead. "Don't you worry; both are just fine. Apparently someone has been stealing children for evil purposes and was upset because Harry's meals are giving people strength to stand up to them. They decided to try to steal you and Harry. The drug they gave you knocked you out, and we'll have to the doctor look over you, but John here just finished his Paramedic course and he says your vital signs are good right now. And don't worry, Uncle Dan and the LAPD are on the way."
Neville rarely got angry but he was angry now. He stood up, kissed his Mom, and popped back to where his Dad and Harry were. His dad had several big and mean looking men tied up and waiting for the police to come and take them into custody. Dad and Harry grabbed him and hugged him. He hugged them back fiercely. "I'm sorry they surprised me," he said, still angry, but also sorry to have failed.
"You did very well, Neville my darling," said Lucifer and kissed his forehead and hugged him rather possessively, "You immediately went to safety. I am rather proud of you for doing so well."
Surprised, Neville grinned and then stalked to where the big mean men were waiting to be arrested.
He walked up to the meanest and grabbed his head and then stared into his eyes, letting all his fury loose. "You will tell me where you sell or hide those children you steal. Do you understand?"
He heard a scream and realized it was the man, "GO AWAY," the man shrieked and then Neville knew where the children this man sold were kept. He knew the places they were sold to. The man fainted and Neville let go of his head.
He ran to his father, who was surrounded by Harry's homeless customers. "Dad, I know where they keep them," he said. Lucifer nodded and then touched his forehead to Neville's. His Dad was just outside his mind asking him to share the information which he did.
"We will have police here in a few minutes to take these men into custody," said Lucifer to the whole crowd. Any of you who are uncomfortable with the police, please leave. I don't want any of you bothered. And if anyone feels up to giving testimony, I would appreciate it, but again, not if it is frightening to you," said Lucifer.
Several people left, but many more stayed and told Lucifer they would testify against the bad men.
The police came and Neville was very careful to give them good descriptions and explain what had happened without mentioning magic. Uncle Dan showed up and made sure everyone was safe and was very proud of Neville and Harry for being careful and knowing how to pop home to safety.
They went home and Neville insisted on helping Harry to clean up – yes they used magic but Harry felt that nothing beat hot water and dish soap, so they still loaded dishwashers and put things away.
"Mom is going to want to have you checked out by the doctor," said Harry ruefully.
"I would like to see the Goblins; they will know how my magic is growing," said Neville. "And Harry, please let me come with you again. I think you are doing a very good thing and I liked helping."